The Minnesota Vikings fell to 3-9-1 this season after another agonizing loss on Sunday. This one to the Ravens 29-26, in one of the wildest finishes in the history of the NFL. Adrian Peterson left the game with what appeared to be an injury so serious, he might be done for the season. The Vikings’ 2013 season has been one riddled with disappointment, yet it is time to give Leslie Frazier some credit.

With all of the negative things that have swirled around the Vikings this year, one thing has remained positive and consistent; the team’s effort. Minnesota’s playoff hopes died somewhere around week 4, but you wouldn’t know it by the way they have played the second half of the season. A 2-2-1 record is the definition of average, however they have been competitive and in a position to win every game, save one. They were blown out in Seattle 41-20. Of course Seattle hasn’t lost a home game in two years. Even on the road in Baltimore, with snow everywhere, Minny made plays down the stretch to win the game. The Ravens wound up winning the game after an interception was nullified by a horrific pass interference call on Chad Greenway. Yet the only negative comments coming from the players after the game were directed towards the officiating crew. The Vikings seemingly refuse to turn on each other or their head coach.

Will Leslie Frazier return as the head coach next year? That may depend on how the team plays through the last three games, but he does deserve a little praise for keeping his team unified in the face of adversity and disappointment. The team has never quit. And for those who would say that players who make millions should always provide effort, I agree, but it’s simply not always the case. If you would like to see what an NFL team looks like that quits, take a look at the Washington Redskins right now. A once proud franchise that is appears completely dysfunctional. The Vikings are showing that they still have some pride. It is a testament to the players, coaches, and the organization as a whole. In a season full of negatives, sometimes it’s important to find a silver lining.